Future Hwy 15 Diverging Diamond Interchange in Sartell/St. Cloud
January 2011
By Claudia Dumont, project manager
In 2012, MnDOT will construct a $17.5 million Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Hwy 15 and Stearns County Hwy 120 in Sartell/St. Cloud.
Why a Diverging Diamond
The Greater Minnesota Interchange project selection criteria was weighted towards business development and increased employment (75%), safety (15%), and congestion relief (10%).
- Business Development and Increased Employment
The area around the intersection has been rapidly developing. The CentraCare Plaza healthcare facility is a major traffic contributor west of Hwy 15. The city of Sartell had over $70 million in new office and medical facility construction in 2009, with more planned. The retail development east of Hwy 15 (Sam’s Club, WalMart, etc.) was just beginning construction and was expected to bring large amounts of new traffic to the area. The existing intersection already had a high crash rate and experienced congestion during the peak hours.
Highway 15 St. Cloud/Sartell Location: Intersection of Hwy 15 and Stearns County Rd 120 in Sartell/St. Cloud Description: Construct a diverging diamond interchange Construct: 2012-2013 Communities: Sartell, St. Cloud, Stearns County, Le Sauk Township Detour: TBD Cost: $17.5 million - Safety
The project received Destination Innovation Program funding because the design is innovative and it improves safety by eliminating standard intersection geometrics and conflict points. The signal cycles are very short because there are no left turns, providing better mobility. The bridge is similar in size to a standard diamond interchange, and much smaller than the bridge needed for a single point diamond. The DDI is expected operate at a high level of service with few crashes and improved signal efficiency.
- Congestion Relief
When the original interchange application was submitted, District 3 Project Development staff expected to construct a standard diamond interchange, with the only real question being would there be signals at the ramps, or roundabouts. A consultant was hired to perform traffic modeling to determine which traffic control method would provide the best level of service for the longest period of time. About the time the traffic model showed problems with the volumes of left turning traffic, information about a new interchange concept being built in Missouri – the Diverging Diamond Interchange – started circulating around the state. Our staff was intrigued, and had the DDI added to the traffic modeling contract. Ultimately, the traffic model showed that DDI provided better traffic operations than even a single point diamond, and shows some excess capacity 20 years in the future. We reviewed the concept with Central Office Geometrics and the Federal Highway Administration’s resource group, and were given approval to proceed.
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Traffic will crisscross at either end of the bridge, so instead of making hard left turns, drivers will veer to the left for access. The orange color is sidewalk. Pedestrians will actually cross to the middle of the bridge and walk in the middle between the eastbound and westbound lanes with protective barriers on either side. Detailed sketch; Driving simulation - DOT St. Louis, Missouri |
Hwy 23 four lane expansion begins in 2011
January 2011
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| Location: | Hwy 95 east of St. Cloud to Hwy 25 in Foley (8 miles) |
| Description: | Expand to a four-lane divided expressway |
| Construct: | 2011/2012 (two years) |
| Detour: | Yes in 2012, via Hwy 95 and Hwy 25 |
| Cost: | $36 million |
The Hwy 23 four lane expansion project from Hwy 95 east of St. Cloud to Hwy 25 in Foley (8 miles) is scheduled to begin construction this June.
The project will take two years to construct. In 2011, crews will construct the new lanes, and in 2012, they will reconstruct the existing two lanes. Motorists will be detoured during the second year via Hwy 95 and Hwy 25, which will add about three miles per trip. Crews will:
Construct four lanes of new roadway, includes turn lanes
Construct a bridge over the Elk River
Realign all intersecting roadways, which includes:
- 65th Avenue
- Benton County Rd 25
- 85th Avenue/Benton County Rd 83
- Benton County Rd 61
- Benton County Rd 62
- Benton County Rd 4
In the city of Foley:
- Upgrade the traffic signal and add turn lanes at the intersection of Hwy 23/Hwy 25
- Build a storm water pond just northeast of Hwy23/Hwy 25
- Reconstruct the Glen/Sheridan frontage road in the Industrial Park
- Install city curbs, gutters, storm/sanitary sewers, water lines and other utilities
- Mill and overlay the two-lane section of Hwy 23 from Hwy 25 to the east limits
The entire project is estimated to cost $36 million dollars and will be let as an Alternative Pavement Bid. Depending on the contract's lowest bidder, the road surface may be either concrete or bituminous.
District 3 construction projects 2011-2013
Hwy 169 Garrison scenic overlook on to receive a face lift
January 2011
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Prep work for the rehabilitation of the wall at the historic Garrison Concourse (scenic overlook) on Mille Lacs Lake off Hwy 169 was completed this fall under very cold and windy conditions. Crews built a temporary protection barrier for the outer wall facing Mille Lacs Lake to preserve its historical integrity over the winter (moving lake effect ice).
Rocks was salvaged from the wall that had fallen into Mille Lacs Lake which is being stored at the Garrison truck station over winter.
Historic rehabilitation is scheduled to begin in June 2011, when crews begin temporary sheet piling installation and de-watering to allow restoration of the outer wall facing the lake.
Restoration work will begin in August 2011. The wall will be reconstructed with similar pink and black granite that was used when it was constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The outer wall restoration work is scheduled to be completed by the end of Nov. 2011.
In May 2010 the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota listed the Garrison Concourse as one of the state’s ten most endangered historic places.
Funding
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided nearly $350,000 in funding for the de-watering efforts for the restoration of the outer wall. The remaining funding will be provided by TEA and MnDOT District 3 to total $800,000 for this portion of the work.
The masonry construction, let under a separate contract in spring of 2011, will be funded by TEA funding and MnDOT District 3.
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A bird's-eye perspective drawing from 1937 showing the Garrison Concourse design and adjacent roadway. Few changes have occurred since construction over 60 years ago. |
History
The Concourse is a massive fortress-like structure that projects 180 feet into the lake, rises 12 feet out of the water, and extends 336 feet along the shoreline. It consists of a retaining wall built with huge, randomly-laid, granite boulders. It was actually built on dry land during the drought years of the Great Depression with the expectation that the lake would eventually return to its normal level.
The Garrison Concourse was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp SP-15 in 1936-39. The camp was one of four in Minnesota devoted to roadside development projects. The Concourse was the cornerstone of many miles of highway improvements near Mille Lacs. Along the corridor, CCC workers extensively shaped and planted the roadsides and developed four stone bridges, another stone overlook, and a rest area with a log and stone picnic shelter. Collectively, the work represents the most extensive roadside development project undertaken by the CCC in the state.
Source: National Parks Service - Currents
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Stone Arch Bridge
Hwy 95 ribbon cutting ceremony in Princeton
December 2010
 Mille Lacs County Hwy 29 Dunn River bridge. Photo by contractor |
Highway 95 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Princeton The Mille Lacs County Hwy 29 Dunn River bridge and the Minnesota Hwy 95 bridge opened to traffic on Friday, Nov. 19, after a community ribbon cutting ceremony.
The ceremony included dignitary speakers, a parade procession through the roundabout and over the Dunn River bridge with the Princeton High School band playing the National Anthem in the background. Photo by Judy Jacobs
The district's first newly constructed roundabout opened to traffic late Friday afternoon, Nov. 5.
Crews will return in 2011 to paint the bridges and landscape the center island of the roundabout.
 New base materials exit the reclamation machine. |
Stabilized reclamation road resurfacing project
September 2010
In July, a $7.2 million Hwy 65 resurfacing project began from Mora to Woodland (17 miles). This district project is using a construction process called Stabilized Reclamation.
The district received $4.2 million in federal funding to do the stabilized reclamation on Hwy 65, which was programmed to be a mill and overlay project.
Crews ground and mixed the old pavement surface with gravel and added a stabilizing agent to strengthen the recycled (reclaimed) pavement materials. A new thin layer of blacktop is then paved over the reclaimed surface.
In the long run this process saves money. Iit provides a longer lasting pavement life than a typical mill and overlay project. Fewer, if any cracks, will appear in the new road surface with this process.
In Depth: Stabilized Reclamation Road Train Operation
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1. Dry cement materials are spread onto the existing road surface in front of the train operation |
2. A water tanker feeds water into the reclaim machine to keep the grinder cool and add needed water to the reclaimed gravel and cement |
3. A grinder with diamond head teeth, grabs, chops and grinds the blacktop road surface |
4. Materials travel by conveyor belt to a sifted grinder that keeps oversize materials from entering the new base materials. Oil is added and the materials exit back onto the road surface |
5. A oil truck feeds oil into the reclaim machine |
6. A grader smoothes out the new base materials |
7. A compactor packs down and densifies the road base. A thin new layer of blacktop is paved on top |
Mn/ROAD Test Section
September 2010
In July, traffic was switched off a test section of I-94 to allow crews to install reinforcing dowel rebar inbetween concrete section joints. The concrete dates back to the 1970's and the dowel bars that were installed have deteriorated to a point of being ineffective. Due to this, the overall ride was very bumpy.
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The quarter-mile test project will assist in controlling concrete movements at the joints which is caused by Minnesota's seasonal changing temperatures and traffic loads.
Crews first sawed and hammered out three 18" lengths of concrete in each of the right lane tire treads. The new epoxy-coated rebar was then placed onto a foam stand in the cutout sections.
The reason the rebar is placed on foam stands is to ensure that the newly poured concrete will completely surround the rebar.
It is hoped that through constructing this research section, future dowel bar retrofit type repairs will be deemed cost effective on older concrete road pavements.
The $45,000 project was funded by the Destination/Innovation Fund administered by Central Office.
Paving a Greener Way on Hwy 169
September 2010
A warm mix asphalt material is being used and tested on the Hwy 169 resurfacing project from Aitkin to Garrison. The project is being partially funded by Central Office Innovation and Destination funding.
"Warm mix asphalt hasn't yet been used or tested on higher volume roadways in the district, which made it an ideal candidate for the Hwy 169 project," said Tony Kempenich, materials engineer.
Warm mix asphalt materials are produced at a lower temperature around 235°F degrees versus the usual 310°F degrees. This is accomplished by using an asphalt additive, in this case Evotherm, to the oil mixed in the pavement materials. The additive acts as a lubricant for assisting in the densification of the asphalt, which is a critical factor in long-term performance.
Benefits include:
- Lessens the wear and tear on hot mix equipment due to its lower processing temperatures
- Allows higher percentages of recycled asphalt materials to be utilized
- Allows asphalt application at a temperature that is 200°- 230°F
- Traffic is returned immediately after compaction
- Reduces emissions of fumes to the environment and onsite workers
"Theoretically, asphalt produced at lower temperatures will reduce the oxidation of the recycled bituminous materials made in the new mix. The pavement should then last longer and crack much less, which will reduce overall costs," said Kempenich.
Photos and information supplied by Tony Kempenich, District 3 Materials Engineer
Northstar Commuter Rail service
January 2010
On Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 the state's first commuter rail line began passenger service, and 2,400 people rode the 40-mile rail route between Big Lake and Minneapolis.
Metro Transit is operating the commuter service that has trips in the morning and evening weekday rush hours, as well as regular weekend and some special events (ex: Vikings games).
A public opening celebration was held at the Target Field station in Minneapolis. The event included riding the train and touring each of the Northstar stations.
Two stations are located in District 3--Big Lake and Elk River; other stops include Anoka, Coon Rapids/Riverdale, Fridley and Target Field.
This fall, a new park-n-ride lot was constructed in east St. Cloud right off Highway 10, and a Northstar Link Commuter bus/route was added to the St. Cloud Metro Transit system to provide service to Big Lake. The bus stops at the park-n-ride lot, downtown metro station, and SCSU. Tickets, schedule, stops
 The Big Lake Station features a steel sculpture entitled “The Commuters” by artist Parker McDonald. |
In December, one of the trains leaving Target Field broke down and 120 passengers were taken by two buses to the suburb stations. The culprit was a faulty part that sends signals to the locomotive engine. Crews replaced the part in all five trains at the maintenance facility located in Big Lake.
During the first 15 days of operation, the train carried 33,112 passengers. Daily ridership in November averaged 2,207 compared to a 2010 daily average goal of about 2,460.
In January, in response to customer requests, Metro Transit added overnight parking in the park-and-ride lots at Northstar's suburban rail stations. The six-month pilot program designates up to 10 spaces each at the Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids-Riverdale and Fridley stations. The designated spaces are available for overnight parking only with each car permitted to occupy the space for no longer than seven days at a time.
The $317 million project was delivered on time and below budget and was a joint effort of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority, the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Counties Transit Improvement Board and Sherburne County assist with operating funds. Photos by David Gonzalez |
 Kurt Stachowski, Elk River truck station, shared safe driving tips with students at Lifetime Skills Driver's Education program in Elk River. Photo by Judy Jacobs |
Students learn valuable Work Zone safety tips
January 2010
The program is offered to promote safe driving in winter and summer highway work zones. The presentation is aimed at driving tips and suggestions on what motorists should do when encountering snowplows, but other segments give advice on how to safely maneuver through summer highway construction zones.
Each MnDOT presenter will share personal experiences from his or her years of service on the roads in highway work zones. A short quiz is also offered to aid learning. As an added benefit, arrangements can be made to have a fully equipped MnDOT snowplow truck available at your presentation.
It's free! There is no cost for the Safety Awareness multi-media program which can be geared for any age group—pre-elementary to senior citizens. It’s proven to be perfect for Drivers Education classes.
There are speakers located throughout central Minnesota. We can accommodate groups of any size—large or small.
If you are interested in scheduling a safety presentation for your class or community group or have questions, please contact: Judy Jacobs, District 3 Program Coordinator, at 218/828-5706 or 800/657-3971.
Call to schedule a presentation for your class group today!
HAWK pedestrian signal system
January 2010
A new system is installed on Highway 23/Division Street in St. Cloud at 12th Avenue and is referred to as the HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk), designed to make their crossing safer and more effective than conventional crosswalks.
The HAWK traffic signal display provides a unique shape that immediately identifies a traffic signal as a pedestrian crossing. The traffic signal head remains dark until the pedestrian button has been pressed. Motorists are alerted by a flashing yellow light, then a steady yellow light when the HAWK system has been activated. When a steady red light is displayed, motorists are expected to stop to allow the pedestrian to cross.
Pedestrians press the button when they want to cross, and obey the pedestrian indicators used on standard signal systems.
This safety project is a result of a partnership with the city of St. Cloud and MnDOT.
The HAWK system is the first to be installed in the Midwest!
Photo by Jenny Seelen
Hwy 23 opens to traffic in St. Cloud
January 2010
On Oct. 29 the Granite City Crossing Mississippi River bridge, Lake George overpass and four lanes of mainline Highway opened to traffic.
Crews began construction on the new $19.2 million bridge in October 2008. In early April 2009, MnDOT, in a partnership with the city of St. Cloud, began the $13 million construction project along Highway 23 from Washington Memorial Drive to 4th Avenue.
Landscaping and area visual aesthetics will carryover into 2010. The entire project will be completed by June 2010.
More project photos can be found on the web. Photo by Jenny Seelen
Cured-in-place culverts used on Hwy 169January 2010
Normally, you have to close the road and set up a detour to replace a centerline culvert. However, on Hwy 169 south of Milaca, crews continued paving operations above as workers installed a cured-in-place flexible pipe liner below.
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Here's how they install one:
The material has a strong smell, similar to a fiberglass boat manufacturer. An advantage to the flexible liner is that it fills in all extra spaces - every curve, crack and cranny.
Cured-in-place pipelines form a much smoother surface than concrete by eliminating joints which increases flow capacity, prevents root intrusion and environmental corrosion, while stopping leaks.
This is the first time the district has used this technology.
Photos by Jenny Seelen |
High visibility strippingJanuary 2010
In August, crews completed the unbonded concrete overlay project on southbound Hwy 169.
Unique two-toned striping was installed featuring two black strips outside the main white one. The stripping enhances the motorists' overall ability to see the roadway markings.
Photo by Jenny Seelen |
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MnDOT employees undergo snowplow simulator training
January 2009
 Kevin Hoge, Aitkin truck station, demonstrates driving in the simulator. Photo by Judy Jacobs |
The State's MnDOT snowplow driving simulator, that's housed in a semitrailer, visited both the St. Cloud and Baxter offices for training.
Each year, all district snowplow operators attend the refresher four-hour training course that consists of both classroom and hands-on driving in the simulator.
In Depth
The simulation system is contained in a mobile 47' tri-axle semi trailer.
The onboard electronics needs are served by a 40 KW diesel powered generator which operates the simulators, the advanced environmental controls, the operators console, and the system peripherals.
There are two simulator terminals contained in this mobil system and each terminal consists of: Three-42" plasma screens that give a 270 degree field of vision
A changeable dash screen to represent the onboard controls of different types of vehicles
 The operators computer console tracks both drivers performances, and assists the trainer to adjust the different scenarios. Photo by Jenny Seelen |
A touch screen that allows the Trainee to raise and lower the plow and the wing, turn on headlights, turn on the sander, shift an automatic pushbutton transmission, and control a three position "Jake Brake"
Each simulator is driven by a high performance main frame computer along with three additional, integrated, support computers that control and produce the graphics of the five screens.
The two simulators can be operated either independently of each other or in a linked scenario—example gang plowing.
Both simulators are controlled and operated by a trainer at the operators computer console. This controls the various and changing environments that the simulators are programmed to being operated in. It controls the road surface, weather, other vehicles, operator condition, and vehicle problem occurrences. The trainer can rapidly customize the training experience a myriad of specially tailored events—tire blowout, fog, ice, etc.
Besides the pair of snowplow operator simulator systems, the unit also has a pair of automobile/pickup
Simulator stations so that additional training can be conducted for anyone who operates any type of MnDOT vehicle. These will be incorporated into a future Defensive Driving training protocol.
A typical class consists of eight trainees and takes approximately four hours to complete.
Tow
plow technology
January 2009
MnDOT District 3 has two tow plows for snow removal use on I-94 and two-and four-lane highways in the Monticello and St. Cloud metro areas.
The tow plow is a trailer- mounted plow which is pulled and operated from a snowplow. It operates at any angle up to 30 degrees and is capable of plowing snow at normal plowing speeds of 30-40 mph. The 26 foot wide plow gives the operator the ability to move snow efficiently and safely from two lanes of roadway in one pass.
State’s Ted Foss ‘Move Over’ law includes highway workers, vehicles
Updated September 2010
The state law that requires drivers on multi-lane highways to move one lane away from emergency vehicles on the roadway or shoulder also includes road repair vehicles.
The law was named in honor of State Patrol officer Ted Foss who was killed in 2000 by an errant driver during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 in Winona County.
Department officials said the change is needed due to the increasing number of crashes that involve highway workers performing construction, maintenance or emergency repair work.
“The law requires motorists to move at least one lane away from emergency vehicles with emergency lights activated,” said State Patrol Lt. Mark Peterson.
“Motorists who cannot safely move over should safely reduce their speed,” he said. “Failure to take these actions can result in a traffic ticket.” In one recent incident on Interstate 94 near Monticello, a truck driver veered into an inside lane where pothole repair work was underway.
The truck passed by two MnDOT guard vehicles before it crashed into a pickup truck and a SUV. Fortunately, the truck went into the ditch before it could reach workers on the ground. There were no injuries reported.
During the last three years, the State Patrol has issued more than 1,000 “Move Over” citations.
“Law enforcement, emergency responders and road crews serve to keep roads safe for the motoring public,” Peterson said.
“It’s the responsibility of motorists to pay attention to ensure the safety of those performing what are often life-saving duties on the state’s highways.”
